Jackson was right: Revis can't run with him

While those competitors exchanged words during the week there was virtually no talk during the game yesterday.

Jackson enjoyed a career-best two-touchdown catch day leading the Eagles to a 31-20 win over the Buccaneers. And he didn’t gloat over it.

“He’s a good player,” said Jackson, who caught a team-high six passes. “I just felt confident in myself going out there and having a big game and helping my team win. So that’s all that really matters.”

For whatever reason Jackson seems to put up his best performances when he’s not challenging the opposition before the game. This was an exception. Then again, Jackson certainly didn’t trash Revis.

Jackson got help from quarterback Nick Foles, who hit him in stride for both scoring receptions. The 12-yarder beating Revis to the back of the end zone gave the Eagles a 14-10 lead in the second quarter. In the fourth quarter Jackson used his speed to get behind the Bucs zone, which is amazing in itself to grab a 36-yard bomb.

Jackson also benefitted from the re-emergence of Riley Cooper, who had no catches last week and has had no more than two in any game.

Cooper, accused of not getting open, erupted for four catches worth a career-high 120 yards including a 47-yard touchdown. Cooper outmuscled cornerback Johnthan Banks for the score.

“It was just a simple go route,” said Cooper, who had as many catches against the Bucs as he had the previous three games. “I kind of ran around him. Nick put it right on the money. It’s a big boost, for sure, definitely is. Hopefully, with this performance, it gets our team on a roll now.”

Cooper had a pretty good fan base in the stands. He played at Central Catholic High School in Clearwater, a 30-minute ride over the causeway.

“I had a bunch of people at the game,” Cooper said.” After the game, I’ll give my mom the touchdown ball. I saw a bunch of people in the stands that I knew and wanted to go holler at them and say, hi. It means a lot to come back here. I grew up coming to these games and watching Derrick Brooks and Mike Alstott, all those guys. It’s good to come back and play a couple good games.”

Beyond the homecoming the Eagles realized what they’d tried to minimize the past few week. That is to say, Jackson needs Cooper. If the Eagles can count on Cooper, it could mean less double-coverage for DJack. Not to mention more multiple-touchdown games.

“You definitely want to step up,” Cooper said. “With that being said, DeSean is one of the best wide receivers in the league. He had two touchdowns and a lot of yards. He did a great job himself.”

While no one speculated Cooper’s game was the product of Foles going through his progressions and getting rid of the ball, there’s plenty of time for that.

Head coach Chip Kelly isn’t sure who his starting quarterback will be this week when the Eagles entertain the Cowboys. But he’s counting on Cooper.

“The opportunities were there,” Kelly said. “I think he’s an outstanding receiver. He wants the ball thrown to him and catches it. The ball was thrown to him today and he did a great job. I’m really happy for Riley.”